Letter: Democracy is not about elections

Comment

Rockford Register Star

Writer

Posted Aug. 28, 2014 at 7:00 PM

Posted Aug. 28, 2014 at 7:00 PM

Republicans are so fond of claiming nothing was the fault of Reagan or “W” Bush. Perhaps that should be their campaign slogan: “Nothing is, or ever will be, a Republican president’s fault.” Whereas those same Republicans often blame Obama for everything, including stuff that occurred before he took office.

From the start, congressional Republicans have refused to work with President Obama on anything, then have the gall to accuse Obama of being a tyrant for not working with Congress? Republicans’ stated primary goal has been to oust Obama. Republicans refuse to pass any legislation that Democrats do not oppose for fear that cooperating with their political adversaries, getting anything done, might be construed as a victory for Obama?

Democracy is not just about elections. Democracy is about people with diverse backgrounds, priorities and beliefs working together for the common good.

Democracy is about compromise. When people absolutely refuse to compromise, that’s tyranny.

Moreover, thanks largely to gerrymandering, Republicans control the U.S. House, even though Democratic candidates got more votes. Of course, Republicans complain bitterly about gerrymandering done by Democrats, but do so as if that excuses gerrymandering by Republicans. Since when does the excuse, “Democrats do it too,” excuse anything?